Background: Primary gliosarcoma is a rare form of malignant central nervous system tumor, with limited understanding regarding its prognostic determinants and effective therapeutic interventions. Methods: The medical records of patients diagnosed with gliosarcoma at Tangdu Hospital between March 2011 and June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Patients with a prior history of glioma or those who received preoperative chemoradiotherapy were excluded. Survival analyses were conducted using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis. Results: A total of 77 patients were included in the final analysis, with a median age of 57 years (range: 13-83). The predominant symptom leading to diagnosis was headache, and the temporal lobe was the most frequently affected site. Univariate analysis revealed that age ≤65 years, complete resection, Ki67 ≤ 25%, postoperative Karnofsky Performance Status ≥ 70, adherence to the Stupp protocol, and additional active therapy upon relapse were associated with enhanced survival. Furthermore, multivariate analysis identified complete resection, age ≤65 years, Stupp protocol treatment, and active therapy following relapse were independent predictors of overall survival. Notably, 1 patient experienced subcutaneous metastasis during treatment. Conclusions: The present study's findings suggest that optimal management of primary gliosarcoma entails maximal safe resection, combined with adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy with temozolomide, followed by salvage therapy in case of recurrence. However, the risk of metastases should be carefully monitored during the treatment course.

Objectives This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the value of the chest digital drainage system for the postoperative management of patients who have undergone pulmonary resection. Methods We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases for included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the application of digital drainage systems versus the analog drainage system for patients with lung disease after pulmonary resection. Dichotomous variables were evaluated using risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and mean and standardized mean differences (MDs and SMDs, respectively) with 95% CIs were used to calculate continuous variables. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata and RevMan software. Results In total, 12 RCTs involving 2000 patients were analyzed. Significant differences in duration of chest tube placement (SMD =  −0.49; 95% CI =  −0.78 to −0.20), length of hospital stay (MD =−0.79 days; 95% CI = −1.24 to −0.34), and number of chest tube clamping tests (RR = 0.74; 95% CI = 0.36–1.49) were observed between the two groups, which did not significant differ in the occurrence of prolonged air leak or cardiopulmonary complication rate. Conclusions The digital chest drainage system is mainly advantageous in the duration of chest tube placement, length of hospital stay, and number of chest tube clamping tests. Future research should evaluate the requirements and economic impact of using digital system in routine clinical practice.

Minimally invasive surgery includes traditional laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery. Although many studies related to robotic surgery and laparoscopic surgery have been published, when doing our search, scientometric studies that focus on related robotic surgery versus laparoscopic surgery were limited. In this study, we aimed to analyze and review the research hots and research status of robotic surgery versus laparoscopic surgery. We searched publications that involved robotic surgery versus laparoscopic surgery in the Web of Science database from 1980 to May 23, 2020. The top 100 publications were published in 2012 with the number of 17 and citations ranged from 618 to 64. Published across 34 different journals, namely European urology (n = 17) and others, the greatest contribution among 36 institutes was made by the Cleveland Clinic (n = 11). Of the top 100 publications, a total of 429 unique words were identified and the most frequently occurring keyword was laparoscopy (n = 33). The co-occurrence of keywords in the top 100 publications indicated that the study of diseases mainly focused on prostatectomy, complications, prostate cancer, retropubic prostatectomy, nephron-sparing surgery, lymph-node dissection, total mesenteric excision, sexual function, rectal cancer, and assisted distal gastrectomy. In recent years, comparative research on robot and laparoscopic surgery has decreased and most studies focus on cancer. (C) 2020 Asian Surgical Association and Taiwan Robotic Surgery Association. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V.

Authors' objectives: HTW assessed the effectiveness of robot-assisted thoracic surgery for lung re or anterior mediastinal mass excision and compared outcome measures with conventional treatment using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or open surgery. This is an updated version of an appraisal. HTW originally published Guidance on this topic in September 2019.

Authors' objectives: This health technology assessment evaluates the effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of two enhanced visualization methods—hexaminolevulinate hydrochloride (HAL) and narrow band imaging (NBI)—used as adjuncts to white light during the first transurethral re of bladder tumour (TURBT) in people with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). It also evaluates the budget impact of publicly funding these technologies.

Authors' objectives: Based on the 2nd Generation NHI Act 42, health technology assessment (HTA) may be performed on new medical services (diagnostics and procedures) at the time of making reimbursement decisions. In addition to the considerations of human health, medical ethics, cost-effectiveness and health insurance finance are also major issues. Therefore, the aim of this study is to perform a comprehensive evaluation of these emerging treatments including bipolar TURP, bipolar TUVP (vaporization of the prostate), Green Light TM, thulium, holmium, and diode laser prostatectomy. The efficacy and economic literature of 6 surgical procedures was collected and synthesized by systematic review. The report UK, Canada and Australia, as well as international experience through the network of INAHTA were assessed. In addition, domestic status such as clinical application, distribution, prices, and cost analysis was investigated through questionnaires and qualitative interview.

Authors' objectives: This health technology assessment evaluates the effectiveness and safety of 5-aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride (5 ALA)–guided surgical re of high-grade gliomas in adults. It also evaluates the budget impact of publicly funding 5 ALA and the experiences, preferences, and values of a person with high-grade glioma.